Stories from Judges in the ClassroomWashington judges, attorneys, and court officers visited more than 80 classrooms September 17 in celebration of Constitution Day. This is the second year of the statewide celebration, sponsored by the Public Trust and Confidence Committee of the Board for Judicial Administration. 
Judge Jessica Ness Monroe Municipal Court "The 5th grade students were so excited to have a Judge in the classroom. Using the Premable to the U.S. Constitution, we imagined we were on a deserted island and used the principles of the Preamble to create our own government system. Students were excited about brainstorming and sharing their ideas. Teaching them was a rewarding experience for me."" Judge Ness on her favorite moment in the classroom: "Towards the end of of my scheduled time, we had a few extra minutes and I opened it up for questions. Nearly every student raised their hand. Those that I couldn't call on, came up to me after class to talk and ask questions. Many indicated an interest in the legal field because of my visit." 
Commissioner Indu Thomas Thurston County Superior Court Commissioner Thomas visited Mrs. Suzanne Stottlemyre's classroom again this year, but this year the visit was with seventh graders. The visit took place a week after Constitution Day due to a scheduling conflict. "Today's favorite moment was during jury deliberation, one of the young people started talking about how they know that something presented during the skit/trial could not be true. Another child simply smiled and said, 'Not in evidence, can't consider it!'" "Spending a day talking about the law and facilitating a courtroom like experience with young people in a space where they are comfortable is rejuvenating and rewarding. You will not regret taking a few hours out of your day to connect with the youth of your community." 
Judge Michael Scott and Bailiff Shannon Raymond King County Superior Court Judge Scott and Bailiff Raymond spent the day with Ms. Sandy Gady's sixth, seventh, and eigth grade classrooms for Constitution Day. For five of the six periods another teacher, Ms. Schell Ross, and her students joined them. "It was fun to be a team in the school setting." "We talked about the three branches of government, focusing on the judicial branch; the basics of trials and appeals; judges, bailiffs, and clerks and their duties, as well as educational and career paths for court officers; the importance of diversity in the judicial branch; and the rule of law. The students were terrific - attentive and curious, with great questions." 
Judge Carol Murphy Thurston County Superior Court Judge Murphy visited Ms. Pam Blume's fourth grade classroom for Constitution Day. "I showed them what my courtroom looks like (in pictures) and the roles of the people in the courtroom, including the judge, attorneys, jury, and others." "We had a lively discussion about the Constitution and the three branches of government." 
Judge Jeffrey Bassett Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Bassett visited Ms. Catherine Townsend's fifth grade classroom for Constitution Day. "There were many questions about how to become a judge, what I do in court, whether I have ever handled a really sad or traumatic case, etc. But the best question by far: 'How much money do you earn?' That was a surprise out of left field!" 
Judge James Docter and Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Docter was joined by Bremerton City Attorney Gina Buskirk on a visit to two fourth grade classes in honor of Constitution Day. 
Judge George Steele Shelton Municipal Court Judge Steele visited with Choice High School's 11th and 12th graders. "It was a great experience. It is important for people to learn civics and know what our Constitution is and how it works. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience." 
Judge Tam Bui Everett District Court "On behalf of all the fifth grade classes at Mukilteo Elementary, thank you for taking time to meet with us last Monday for Constitution Day. The children have cited their conversations with you in their Constitution Day summaries and we believe that you have inspired some students to dream of a future in the judicial branch! Thank you ever so much." Sue Idso, 5th Grade Teacher, Mukilteo Elementary 
Judge Debra Hayes Spokane County District Court Judge Debra Hayes and her Judicial Assistant KT Fernandez visited with students at Mica Peak High School on Constitution Day. The pair presented a lesson on how the Judicial Branch was developed by Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution and had in-depth conversations with the students about issues such as womens right to vote, minor DUIs, and domestic violence in teen dating. "The students were very attentive and participated in more ways than we expected. Some stood and demonstrated tasks, asked questions and were so open with their own experiences and battles they have endured. This whole experience was so wonderful and we are truly thankful that we were able to participate. This is a trip neither of us shall forget." KT Fernandez, Judicial Assistant to Judge Hayes. 
Commissioner Terri Farmer Pierce County Superior Court "I spent all day with the 8th grade US History students at Pioneer Middle School. I had a great time. We went through their rights under the Constitution, following certain cases that directly involved teens. We looked at civil cases as well as the criminal side of things."
Judge Tim Jenkins Sumner Municipal Court Judge Jenkins visited with ninth graders at Federal Way Public Academy on Constitution Day. "It was a very joyful experience as the Principal and I engaged in a back and forth discussion in front of all the school's ninth graders. I encourage all judges to 
Judge Roger Rogoff King County Superior Court "Thanks to Ms. Dahl and the amazing kids at View Ridge Elementary! As MY second grader would say — 'Best Day Ever!!'" 
Judge Kathryn Loring San Juan County Superior Court "I spoke to two government classes at Friday Harbor High School, engaging with them to analyze a case involving First Amendment rights in the school setting. I was impressed by how thoughtful the students were in analyzing all sides of the fact pattern. Both groups of students were incredibly engaged, and we had lively conversations about first amendment issues." 
Judge Melissa Hemstreet Kitsap County Superior Court "Each classroom was full of eager participants wanting to learn about the Justice system. I was impressed with how the teachers pulled the Justice system and the Constitution into their lesson plans. They had converted a story into a script, with the students and myself reading different parts. One class acted out the actions described in the script as well, it was charming. It felt wonderful to get out in the community and explain to our youth what our role is in our system of Justice. The questions from the children were impressive for their age. I had a great afternoon and will look forward to going again in the future." 
Justin Boland, Judge Pro Tempore Bothell Municipal Court Justin Boland, Judge Pro Tempore, visited Ms. Stingily's fifth-grade class for Constitution Day. "The kids were really great: engaged, interested and inquisitive. Ms. Stingily was very helpful in setting things up and making sure everything went smoothly. She is a really great teacher and her students clearly like and respect her. Ms. Stingily and I selected the "Rights and Responsibilities" lesson plan. The students liked the hypotheticals in that lesson and had some really interesting perspectives on contributory negligence and preexisting conditions. I think that by the end of the presentation, the students had a better understanding of the role of the courts, and the job that lawyers do. They also really enjoyed trying on the judicial robe that I brought with me!" 
Justice Mary Yu Washington State Supreme Court "Loved "teaching" 300 students (2nd through 5th grade) today at Beacon Hill International School today. They had some great questions and I suspect there is a future judge in that crowd. What a fabulous way to celebrate Constitution Day." 
Judge Rebecca Pennell Washington State Court of Appeals, Division III Judge Pennell spoke to 11th and 12th grade students about the structure of Washington's trial and appellate courts as well as how the U.S. Supreme Court has addressed claims of false news reports in the context of the First Amendment. 
Judge Jeanette Dalton Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Dalton visited with Mrs. Kragen's students in celebration of Constitution Day. Judge Dalton presented students with an important lesson in how to settle conflict. 
Judge Laura Riquelme Skagit County Superior Court "We discussed the Constitution, what judges do, and then discussed and ruled on a case together. I had a 
Judge Andrea Beall Puyallup Municipal Court "I ended the class with the game provided in the lesson plan, dividing the students into teams and assigning each team a court. I described cases for them, and they had to determine if their court would have jurisdiction. The students answered nearly every question correctly. I was pleased to discover they had really listened and absorbed the information. It was a great experience." 
Judge David Keenan King County Superior Court "Such a joy to speak with first graders this morning at Midway Elementary in Des Moines for Constitution Day." 
Justice Steven González Washington Supreme Court "I had a wonderful time speaking with students at Lincoln High School, and enjoy visiting classrooms frequently at all levels." 
Judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis Whatcom County Superior Court Mr. John Sage's seventh grade class at Whatcom Middle School celebrated Constitution Day with a visit from Judge Montoya-Lewis who gave a presentation on the Washington State judicial branch. 
Judge David Larson Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Larson visited Ms. Kari Toms eleventh and twelfth grade class on Constitution Day. "I taught a lesson about the logic of how the Constitution is structured and how it relates to our responsibilities as citizens." Judge Larson said he looks forward to returning to Ms. Toms classroom in the future to teach the students about courts and how they work. 
Judge Cathy Moore King County Superior Court Judge Moore visited Ms. Laura Lavaris' third grade classroom on Constitution Day. "I love this event because the kids are always curious and thoughtful and super excited to meet a "real" judge! Their enthusiasm for our foundational document is invigorating and always leaves me feeling hopeful." One of Judge Moore's favorite moments was when the twenty-six third graders bounced around with excitement with their gavel pencils saying "order in the court!" 
Commissioner Leon F. Henley, Jr. Whatcom County Superior Court Commissioner Henley spoke with eighth graders first thing in the morning on Constitution Day. "The students were attentive and asked great questions. It was a great way to start my day. I look forward to returning to the same classroom later in the year when they will be studying the U.S. Constitution." 
Judge Erik Rohrer Clallam County Superior Court Judge Rohrer spoke with four separate Forks Junior High School social studies classes about the interpretation of law. The students were interested and engaged and the principal and other teachers sat in on portions of the presentations. Everyone was very appreciative. Judge Rohrer also visited Ms. Peregrine's Civics classes at Forks High School in November 2018. His favorite moment of the visit was realizing that our youth have a genuine interest in civic matters and a desire to participate meaningfully. 
Judge Samuel Swanberg Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Swanberg visited with Ms. Wandling's sixth grade students and was part of the panel of judges for the 2018 Amazing Shake Competition. Leading up to the competition, students practiced handshakes, a one-minute speech, resume-writing, and group interview skills. As a thank you for the visit, students wrote heartfelt poems to describe Judge Swanberg. "It was an honor to have him help judge our Amazing Shake Competition this year." 
Judge Kristen Parcher Clark County District Court "Getting to meet students and talk about the legal system was one of my favorite things I've done out in the community in a long time — and I loved getting to be the guest star that got them out of their usual day-to-day schedule." 
Catherine McDowall, Judge Pro Tempore Seattle Municipal Court "I just finished presenting to Mercer Island High School's Business Law class, taught by Tyler Geving. 
Judge Michelle Gehlsen Bothell Municipal Court "I wanted to thank you all for organizing Judge Gehlsen's visit to my class yesterday morning. Judge Gehlsen was amazing! She was so kind, yet professional. My students loved having her visit and learned so much from her. She presented the "Ways to Solve a Problem" lesson. My students had the opportunity to collaborate using the various stages of legal conflict resolution, creating a poster and acting out each stage. They loved trying on her robes and getting their pictures taken. They were talking about her visit throughout the day. Several of my students were telling me they can't wait to be old enough to participate in the youth traffic court program here in Bothell. I plan to invite her back toward the end of the year when we are learning about the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights (my students WANT her to visit again!). JITC is a wonderful program and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to bring civics into my classroom. I will definitely encourage my fellow educators to utilize your program. Thank you again!" Patty Sundt, 5th Grade Teacher, Shelton View Elementary School 
Ethan McWilliams Assistant Attorney General, Students in Ms. Hughes-Crosby's grade three/four split class enjoyed a visit from Assistant Attorney General Ethan McWilliams on Constitution Day. Ethan presented a lesson on the history and key features of the U.S. Constitution and then students worked together to create their own classroom constitutions. "It was a fantastic experience. I recommend it and the students really seemed to enjoy it." 
Judge Cathy Moore King County Superior Court "The students were terrific! We reviewed all the individual guarantees in the Bill of Rights and the students were quick to see how more than one amendment can protect the same right. It was great fun meeting these constitutional scholars in the making!" 
Judge Andrea Vingo Hoquiam Municipal Court "I loved how engaged the students were and how much they enjoyed learning." 
Judge J. Michael Diaz King County Superior Court Judge Diaz visited Ms. Herr's fifth-grade class at TOPS K-8 School in Seattle. The students were treated to a lesson on the importance of the U.S. Constitution and how to respectfully disagree with one another.
Judge Jackie Shea-Brown Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Court When the 5th graders stood in unison in support of one party's First Amendment rights in the case of Minersville School District v. Gobitis, 310 U.S. 586 (1940).,The lesson plans for "Judges in the Classroom" are excellent. They are interesting, succinct and interactive. The students were engaged and engaging. They were attentive, bright and thoughtful. I can't wait to return to Maria Lee's 5th grade class at Rosalind Franklin STEM Elementary in Pasco, Washington! 
Judge Michael Scott King County Superior Court Judge Scott focused on the First and Fourth Amendments during his Constitution Day visit with 
Commissioner Indu Thomas Thurston County Superior Court At the conclusion of one of the classes, one young woman came up to me and said very bluntly, "I thought Judges would be stiff, you aren't. May I have a hug?" I granted the request which then led to a flurry of high fives and hugs as the children hurried to change classes. I repeated the same Mock trial in three different 5th grade classrooms today. Each experience was different. Since there is a pattern script with the help of the teacher we assigned roles to the children and had them read through the script. I then took the jury into a separate area and we deliberated and returned with a verdict. Each class was different and the children were incredibly engaged. Absolutely delightful day. 
Judge Sam Meyer Thurston County District Court Students in Ms. Blume's fourth-grade class enjoyed 
Commissioner Paul Wohl Thurston County District Court Ridgeline Middle School students were very excited to have Commissioner Wohl in the classroom. "The Commissioner is an engaging and inspiring speaker and students learned a lot." 
Judge Mary Roberts King County Superior Court "A student asked me if I am racially biased when I make sentencing decisions. A fascinating and robust discussion followed. I spoke to three classes of seniors. I was impressed with how bright, engaged, and fearless these students were. They asked hard questions and challenged me. I came away inspired, and with the certain feeling that our future is in good hands." 
Judge Brett Buckley Thurston County District Court YMS students celebrated Constitution Day with a visit from Judge Buckley. A great opportunity for students 
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